Finally, science explains why dogs shake when they’re wet (Freepik)
Researchers have finally discovered why dogs and other furry animals, like cats and mice, shake when they’re wet.
This behavior is caused by a specific receptor in the skin of mammals, called C-LTMR, which responds to stimuli like water droplets on the neck area.
By stimulating this receptor with oil droplets, scientists observed that the animals performed a shake similar to the “wet dog shake,” leading to the conclusion that this reflex is a response to irritating or potentially harmful stimuli, such as parasites or water.
The study involved creating mice with genetic mutations to deactivate the channels that detect temperature changes or mechanical touch. The results showed that, although the mice without the ability to detect temperature still shook with oil droplets, those lacking the receptors to detect mechanical touch did not show the shake. This confirmed that the behavior is mediated by specific mechanoreceptors, such as C-LTMRs.
While this shake is clearly observed in furry animals, there are still open questions about whether humans, who don’t have fur, exhibit a similar response. The research also raised the question of why dogs, specifically, tend to approach people before shaking. These questions remain mysteries to be explored in future studies.
Source: Live Science | Photo: Freepik | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
